Initiative Background and Overview
Workshop: Developing Standard Protocols for Assessing Aquatic Barriers in Canada
Nick Mazany-Wright
February 28, 2023
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Who We Are
One of Canada’s largest environmental NGOs
Originated in 1962 from fish and wildlife conservation movement
“To conserve and inspire the conservation of Canada’s wildlife and habitats for the use and enjoyment for all”
Freshwater, marine, and terrestrial programs
CWF’s Approach to Conservation
Instill conservation ethic in Canadians
Engage Canadians in conservation actions
Fill gaps in our scientific understanding of species and threats
Carry out species and habitat conservation projects
Advocate for strong laws, policies, and programs to conserve wildlife and habitat
National Fish Passage Program
Increased freshwater focus on connectivity and fish passage:
Chinook salmon research in Upper Yukon River
American eel research and advocacy
Fish passage advocacy and barrier campaigns
Watershed Connectivity Remediation Planning framework and barrier remediation in BC, AB, PEI, and NS
Spatial tools to assess watershed connectivity and prioritize barriers for remediation
Development of the Canadian Aquatic Barriers Database (CABD)
Why develop standard protocols for assessing aquatic barriers in Canada?
What is the conservation issue?
What we know:
Structures like dams, culverts, and dykes block the movement of fish (and other species) and energy/matter
Barriers to connectivity are extensive across Canada
Barriers removal needed to restore access to important habitat and ecosystem functions
Restoration projects are expensive